Yale University quarterback Morgan Roberts, a transfer from Clemson, hopes to be the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback.
Peter Hvizdak — Register

NEW HAVEN >> Sure, all seven quarterbacks on the Yale roster are each seeing their share of reps early in camp and head coach Tony Reno is describing the position battle as an “open competition.”

But one would have to think, based simply on the fact that he’s transferred from an ACC power like Clemson, Morgan Roberts is among the leaders, if not the favorite, to win the job.

And he doesn’t back away from the expectations. Roberts gets it.

“I think some people might think it’s a letdown if I wasn’t to start,” said Roberts, a sophomore. “But this is a great group of guys. But all in all, there’s pressure in football. And pressure makes diamonds. What you have to think every single day when you walk out there, is that this pressure makes me better. I’m just trying to take that pressure, play with it and be the best player I can be.”

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Roberts is a dual threat. He showed glimpses of that late in Monday’s practice, using his elusiveness and speed to avoid defenders and make accurate throws on the run.

“Morgan coming in from Clemson, it’s a big-time school, so we’re all having fun competing against him,” fellow quarterback Henry Furman said. “He’s done a real good job of coming in and picking up the offense. He’s an exciting guy to be around. He has a lot of energy and brings a lot of energy on the field. He’s a gun slinger in that regard.”

Roberts, who is from Charlotte, N.C., was a third string quarterback for the Tigers. He played in just one game as a redshirt freshman last season, finishing 2-of-3 for 20 yards in a 52-27 victory over Ball State. He was also named Clemson’s Most Improved Player among quarterbacks in during Clemson’s spring practice session in 2012. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in the Orange-White spring game.

Though he didn’t see the field much, his experience at Clemson was valuable. He competed at the highest level of college football on a daily basis. Roberts was part of a program that finished No. 11 in the country and won the ACC Atlantic Division title last season, so a championship mentality is something he insists he brings to Yale. He also got the opportunity to learn from Heisman Trophy candidate and quarterback Tajh Boyd. Roberts says the two are still close friends.

When Roberts decided to transfer (a lack of playing time being the main issue), he looked at a few Ivy League schools and some other Division I programs in the North Carolina area. He knew Reno, who recruited him while he was at Harvard. Roberts said the situation at Clemson is similar to the one at Yale, and that’s what attracted him. The Bulldogs struggled last season, but have a promising future just as the Tigers did.

Roberts wants to be a part of it.

“This team is going places,” he said. “I’d be shocked if we don’t see a championship in the next couple of years.”

Roberts helps highlight what is a very strong recruiting class for the Bulldogs. He calls it a “FBS-caliber class,” filled with exceptional athletes.

Last season, Yale finished 2-8. The Bulldogs had major issues at quarterback, as they were forced to turn to a wide receiver and running back to play under center because of injuries. And Yale threw 16 interceptions last season. Only eight other teams in the FCS threw more.

But it’s a new season now, a fresh start. To help matters, Yale is getting back three playmakers: wide receivers Deon Randall and Chris Smith, who both missed last season, and Sebastian Little, who missed the majority of last year.

And Roberts would love to be the one throwing the ball to them.

“What we’re looking for in a QB is a kid that can run and throw, threaten a defense with his legs and his arm,” Reno said. “He can do both. There’s a learning curve in place of understanding our offense. He’s only been here for seven practices. But he understands what it’s like to play at a high level.”